Members of the public have expressed outrage over the free food tragedy, with many blaming the deaths on the ongoing economic hardship in Nigeria.
A deadly rush for free food resulted in the tragic deaths of about 32 children at a private funfair in Ibadan on Wednesday. The event, organized by Naomi Silekunola, the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, promised free food and gifts to about 5,000 beneficiaries. However, the turn up became overwhelming, resulting in chaos and a fatal stampede.
The incident took place at Basorun Islamic High School in Ibadan, where an unexpected surge in crowd numbers caused panic. The organizers could not control the flow of attendees, many of whom were eager to receive free meals and gifts in anticipation of the festive season. Tragically, this resulted in multiple casualties, most of them children.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of mayhem at the venue’s entrance, where the crowd pushed and shoved, desperate for free food. Authorities quickly deployed medical teams, but many children died already before reaching the hospital. Reports from Patnas Specialist Hospital confirmed that six children were rushed in, but only one survived.
Economic hardship blamed for free food tragedy
Members of the public have expressed outrage over the incident, with many blaming the deaths on the ongoing economic hardship in Nigeria. Parents and guardians, already struggling to feed their families, saw the free food event as an opportunity to provide for their children. Medialord.ng learnt this desperation reportedly led to the free food tragedy.
“This is the result of poverty. People are desperate for food,” one local resident lamented. “Families are suffering, and these events promise a quick solution, but without proper safety measures, tragedies like this happen.” Another parent who lost a child at the event echoed similar sentiments. “I wish I dint allow my child to go. But we had no choice. Life is hard.”
Government’s response
The Oyo State Government has expressed deep sorrow over the free food tragedy. Prince Dotun Oyelade, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, confirmed the tragic stampede in a statement. He stated that the government deployed a rapid response team to assist the victims and provide medical care. Injured children, many of whom were in critical condition, reportedly filed hospitals in Ibadan.
Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, the Commissioner for Health, sources said, swiftly mobilized medical teams. The government has announced the arrest of the organiser of the event, after the incident. It also promised to offer support to the victims’ families during this painful time.
Oyelade distanced the government from the planning or logistics of the event. He stressed that events involving large gatherings, especially those catering to children, must have proper safety measures in place.
Analysts have raised concerns about safety and accountability in event planning. Many believe the organizers should have anticipated a larger crowd and taken steps to manage the influx. “There should have been better crowd control,” said Ita Dominic, a safety expert. “It is clear that there was no preparation for it.”
Leave feedback about this